A federal grand jury has indicted Mark Thompson, a 49-year-old resident of Ashland, Pennsylvania, on charges related to drug trafficking. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced the indictment, which includes allegations that Thompson was involved in a conspiracy to distribute and possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute from January 2025 through April 25, 2025.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that the indictment also accuses Thompson of distributing and possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute on or about April 8, 2025. The activities are said to have taken place in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), the Shenandoah Police Department, and the Schuylkill County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney James M. Buchanan is handling the prosecution.
This case is part of “Operation Take Back America,” a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations. The operation seeks to protect communities from violent crime perpetrators by utilizing resources from Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
If convicted, Thompson could face a maximum penalty under federal law of twenty years imprisonment, supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Sentencing would be determined by a judge considering federal sentencing statutes and guidelines.
It is important to note that indictments are merely allegations; all individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
